Nassau comptroller might seek Schumer's Senate seat

After edging out a win seven months ago for his first public office, Republican Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos is expected to challenge Democratic Sen. Charles Schumer this November.

Still playing a bit coy despite strong rumors for weeks of his running, Maragos, 61, said Friday, "I will make an announcement next week about my possible candidacy." Some of those close to Maragos said he will declare his candidacy "midweek."

Schumer, through his spokesman Mike Morey, said he had "no comment" on a possible Maragos campaign for his seat.

Jay Jacobs, the state and Nassau County Democratic chairman, said, "I'm sure that someone in his first office for less than five months feels himself very qualified to run for United States senator. But I doubt that he will enjoy the matchup between his accomplishments and Senator Schumer's."

Joseph Mondello, the Nassau GOP leader, however, endorsed Maragos, saying: "He is an outstanding county comptroller, and I look forward to him running a strong and vigorous campaign."

Maragos, who possesses a wide range of banking and information technology experience, said he was approached a few weeks ago by several people inside and outside the GOP to consider challenging Schumer.

And he is considering it, he said, "based on the significant and negative impact the health care reform law will have on Nassau County and the state's economy, and on the unwillingness of the federal government to give us our fair share to protect our homeland and New York." He was referring to the recently announced awards of federal Homeland Security grants that saw reductions of $57 million to New York City.

He defeated Democrat Howard Weitzman in November by 1,000 votes from more than 230,000 cast.

"George is a brilliant man. I enjoy working with him and wish him great success," said Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano.